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Wednesday, 5 June 2013

Butternut Squash and Coconut Curry

They say that owners look like their pets (I’m hoping to be the owner of a pug soon...does
this mean I look like a pug?!)

They also say men marry women who look like their mothers (does that mean Mr KG thinks I look like his
Mum?!)

But what does the food someone eats or cooks say about them?

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Self portrait?

I often think that people who cook exotic food must be
reasonably well travelled. There’s a big difference between someone who likes
to order the odd Chinese or curry and someone who cooks pasta from scratch, or
has an authentic recipe for lamb tagine.

And so I wonder – what do the recipes on this blog say about
me?!

Unfortunately I am nowhere near as well travelled as I would
like to be. I have been to all of the obvious places in Europe – France, Spain,
Germany and Greece. I’ve also been to Prague. But that’s really where the
extent of my “travelling” starts and stops.

From a young age I’ve had a desire to go to new places and
when I wrote my first ever bucket list when I was 13 it included travelling to
India, Japan, Russia and China. These are most definitely still the 4 places I
would like to visit the most. Since beginning to learn Mandarin I feel like my
dream to visit China is becoming more and more possible. I’d love to fit in a
month long tour of China before I start my training contract but I just have to
keep on hoping for now – after all a temporary job and a flat with Mr KG are way
higher on my list of priorities.

I may not be well travelled but I am well eaten – if that’s even a saying! I’ve certainly
tried my fair share of curries, some of which were more authentic than others.

Wherever I’ve lived (or Mr KG has lived) we’ve always been
in pursuit of a good curry. I’ve also been fortunate enough in the past to have
a friend from Bangladesh who’s Mum LOVED to cook us curries for revision
sessions back during my A-Levels. Another friend spent a lot of time in Nepal
and brought home recipes for authentic Nepalese curries.

Silky coconut curry with butternut squash, red chilli and lentils

One day I hope that I will be able to share a traditional
recipe passed down to me on one of my travels, but that might be for a while
yet.Until then, all I can do is share with you a recipe for one
of my favourite curries which I cook at home. The idea has come from a variety
of dishes I’ve tried both at home and in restaurants so it may well be a twist
on a classic, who knows!

My favourite thing about this curry in particular is how it
is both sweet and spicy. The coconut milk also gives the sauce a creamy texture
that feels very indulgent, but by using the low fat variety it’s not as bad for
you as you might think.

The combination of vegetables also compliments the spices
really well; the butternut squash and sweet red pepper can take the heat of the
chilli and other spices. The squash in particular melts into the sauce in a
really satisfying way!

What do you think your food says about you? Many of us have “food
blogging personas” – do you think yours truly reflects you?

PS. How many of you think you look like your pets? I’d love
to see photos of you together! Share them in the comments below!

About Me

I’m an aspiring lawyer who considers it a crime not to cook and eat great food.
Since graduating from The University of Nottingham, and starting the LPC at BPP Law School in Holborn, London I am cooking up a storm back in my parents’ kitchen in between sampling the best food in and around London.